I've mentioned before how much I enjoy listening to rebroadcasts each weekend of the American Top 40 radio shows from the 1970s and 1980s that are now syndicated across the country.
Last weekend was Casey's countdown of the hits from that same week in August 1971 and I was surprised to notice the astonishing staying power of that Top Ten some 37 years later. By my count, nine of the top ten songs from that week are still regularly played on rock and oldies stations today. Wow.
Here they are.
10. Mercy Mercy Me Marvin Gaye
8. Beginnings Chicago
7. It’s Too Late Carole King
6. Take Me Home Country Roads John Denver
5. Draggin’ The Line Tommy James
4. Mr. Big Stuff Jean Knight
3. You’ve Got A Friend James Taylor
2. Indian Reservation The Raiders
1. How Can You Mend A Broken Heart Bee Gees
The one song that doesn't get much airplay anymore was the novelty song at #9 that had been put together by a popular radio disc jockey named Tom Clay. Moved by the turmoil Americans had been hearing every night on the news - race riots, assassinations, Vietnam - he decided to promote love and tolerance on his 45. Clay recorded a medley of two recent popular songs, then edited in interviews he conducted with some children and added audio from the news.
What The World Needs Now/Abraham, Martin & John peaked the following week at #8 and here it is, courtesy of Casey Kasem. Please enjoy.
P.S. Oooooooh, no winner yesterday but thanks for playing. I am not kidding you when I report her name was Breeyaunauh.
Well you dodged that ten dollar giveaway bullet and..... so did we!
Posted by: Geo | August 17, 2008 at 08:15 AM
carole king's tapestry is one of my all time favorite records. and, there's just something about casey kasem's voice that brings back good summertime memories.
Posted by: alisa | August 17, 2008 at 10:32 AM
dude....seriously get a fing life bean!!!!
Posted by: irene | August 17, 2008 at 01:30 PM
Do they repeat the long distance dedication? I remember listening to Casey on my portable am radio as kid. Now that I have an ipod, I rarely listen to the radio.
Posted by: LiLa | August 17, 2008 at 05:23 PM
I was out at our ranch yesterday, so I missed Saturday's blog, but Breeyaunauh would have been my guess. I'm always a day late.
Posted by: LiLa | August 17, 2008 at 05:25 PM
Even Boomphreekka thinks that's silly.
Posted by: Vic Rattler | August 17, 2008 at 06:37 PM
Where do we find these re-broadcasts? I would love to listen to old countdowns.
Posted by: Keith Lowell Jensen | August 18, 2008 at 07:36 AM
This how freakin' old I am, I own five of those singles as 45's including #9
Posted by: Ken | August 21, 2008 at 04:45 PM
What is wrong with my people?! Just stop with the messed up spellings & messed up names!
Posted by: Frances | August 23, 2008 at 10:43 PM